Why does a 51-year-old woman with CKD feel weak and tired?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 51-year-old female; my height is 5 feet 1 inch, and I weigh 156 lbs. I have a history of chronic kidney disease, and for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing several problems. There is a complete loss of appetite, and even when I feel a little hungry, I am unable to eat because food makes me feel nauseous and unwell. I also have a severe cough that is not getting better, and I feel extremely weak throughout my body.

In addition, I experience numbness and pain on both sides of my hips and legs. I find it difficult to sleep and feel constantly restless, sad, and worried. Earlier, I was diagnosed with lung pneumonia, required BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) support during my hospital stay, and was discharged after one month, but these problems are continuing.

My blood pressure usually remains low. I am taking Floricot, Calcium, Bifilac HP (pre-probiotic medicine), Montair LC (Montelukast and Levocetrizine), and drugs prescribed for low blood pressure.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

I am very sorry about your medical condition, and I am glad you are paying attention to changes in your body. Do not worry; I am here to take care of you.

After severe pneumonia requiring BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) and a month in hospital, it is very common to have prolonged recovery issues. Post-pneumonia weakness and poor appetite can last for weeks. Persistent cough may indicate incomplete recovery, airway irritation, or a secondary infection. Numbness and pain in the hips and legs could be due to prolonged immobility in the hospital, medication side effects, or nerve compression.

Low blood pressure and the use of Floricot (Fludrocortisone) suggest adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypotension, which itself can cause fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite. Restlessness, sadness, and poor sleep could be signs of post-ICU (intensive care unit) depression or anxiety, which is very common and is known as post-ICU syndrome.

I advise the following:

Repeat chest X-ray or CT (computed tomography) to check the lungs.
Blood tests, including CBC (complete blood count).
Electrolytes.
Kidney and liver function.
Vitamin B12 and cortisol.
Constant blood pressure monitoring.

Meanwhile, please continue with your medications until I see the results.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.